-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- During the past few months , I have gently suggested to my patients that they receive the flu vaccine . Many said yes , but some declined .

Today , as I look up Google 's national flu trend map , I see nearly the entire country painted in an alarming red , signifying `` intense '' flu activity . According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , 41 states are experiencing widespread flu outbreaks . There are 26 times more flu cases this year than last . And in Boston , near my primary care practice , a public health emergency was declared this past Wednesday .

I shake my head when seeing these headlines , and I vow to be more persuasive when it comes to giving the flu vaccine . More patients need to be protected against influenza by getting flu shots earlier in the season .

Like many other clinics across the country , my office is flooded with patients suffering from coughs , runny noses , fevers and body aches , all potentially caused by the flu . Thankfully , the vast majority of adults survive . But others fare less successfully : the young , the elderly , and those with chronic conditions like asthma , diabetes or cancer .

Severe flu complications , like pneumonia , can hospitalize these patients , or worse , be fatal . Consider the young . According to William Rodriguez , a pediatrician at the Food and Drug Administration , between 43 and 153 children have died in the past 10 flu seasons combined . Already , 18 children have died this season .

One reason why the flu outbreak is so prevalent this year is that the predominant strain , H3N2 , has n't been this widely circulated since 2002-03 and is associated with a more severe illness .

But another reason is the relatively low percentage of patients who received a flu shot . This year 's vaccine is well matched to the circulating viruses and , while not perfect , provides good protection . Flu shots are about 60 % effective . But more than half of Americans skip the vaccine . Only 46 % received one last year . This year 's numbers are about the same .

The reason many cite , `` I got the flu from the flu shot ! '' is n't valid . There are no live viruses in the vaccine . If someone got sick after the shot , it 's because of a coincidental illness caused by the scores of other non-influenza viruses that can cause similar upper respiratory symptoms .

Others say , `` I 've never had the shot before , and I 've been fine . '' In some , the flu can be debilitating , leaving patients bedridden for days . In others , it can simply be a runny nose or a minor cough . But it 's still the flu and can be spread to more vulnerable patients , with disastrous consequences for them .

According to Frank Esper , a viral respiratory disease expert at UH Case Medical Center in Ohio , `` Every time you vaccinate yourself , you 're not just protecting yourself , but you 're protecting everyone you know , including individuals who are young or pregnant . ''

It 's still not too late for a flu shot . Go get one if you have n't already . Although its protective action wo n't take effect for about two weeks , the flu season has n't peaked .

I realize I have to do a better job to dispel these myths in the exam room and convince more of my patients to receive a flu shot . But patients can also help . Read the headlines and learn from the current flu crisis . Then be proactive and get a vaccine earlier in future flu seasons .

The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Kevin Pho .

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Kevin Pho : Nearly every state has `` intense '' flu activity

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Pho : More patients need to be protected by getting flu shots earlier in the season

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He says one reason the flu is so prevalent is that a main strain is associated with severe illness

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Pho : Read the headlines and learn from the current flu crisis